Despite the band's name, The Brand New Heavies have been around for quite some time. During the influential acid jazz movement, in the mid 1980's Jan Kincaid, Simon Bartholomew, and Andrew Levy teamed up in the United Kingdom A few years later, the trio brought on American N'dea Davenport as a lead vocalist. Since then, the group has had a slew of lead vocalists, but now N'dea is back with a vengeance. The Heavies are gearing up to release a new album with the help of fans via social media. Jan Kincaid filled me in on the unique process in addition to giving me other juicy tidbits about the band.

Times Square (TS): The band has been playing for over 25 years. How did you meet and form the band?

Jan Kincaid (JK): We met at school. The three guys in the band met at school. It grew from there. We started messing around with instruments and got more serious about it.

TS: You're one of the bands associated with the rise of acid jazz. Can you describe the genre?

JK: It's basically a hybrid of musical influences in jazz. You have jazz, funk, and disco. It's a very loose genre of music and it could be called jazz funk, funky soul, jazzy soul, etc. It has jazz and other things too. It's not specific.

TS: You've had a few different lead singers. How has that informed your playing? How has it been to have N'dea back?

JK: It's been good! Great! We've been lucky to work with a number of singers over the years and they've all brought something individual and unique. N'dea certainly brings that! She's someone we've worked with a few times now and it's nice to have her back around and have her working on this record. Our first two were with N'dea, so it's nice to bring that formula back again.

TS: The band seems to have embraced social media. Can you explain the Pledge campaign and how it's working to develop your new album?

JK: It's working really well. It's a system that puts you directly in touch with your fans. They're able to commit to the making of the record and contribute to tailor-made packages. The basic package is just the album, then there will be the album and some merchandise, then studio visits and other fun things. It's a new way—well, it's new for us—and an interesting way of putting us in touch with the fans and telling them what we're doing in the making of the record. The other day, we had a bunch of people that pledged to come to the studio and see what we're doing. They were really excited, and we had a really good day.

TS: A certain percent of the funds go to charity, right?

JK: Chain of Hope is a charity that works with children who have heart difficulties. It's geared around that problem, which is a major problem in some areas in the world. It never seems to be getting better. This will bring a bit more attention to the problem.

TS: How is the new album coming along and what was the inspiration for it?

JK: It's coming along really well! We've still got a little way to go. The inspiration was life, really. We're enjoying what we're doing and are exceed to be making a new record. Every day we get new inspiration; making music is the inspiration. The fans' interest level is also an inspiration.

TS: What's the writing and recording process like?

JK: It's an ongoing thing where we're working in the studio. Some of it was written on the spot, and some songs have already been written that we're bringing in. Some songs we're experimenting with. It's wide open, like it always is. We like to keep things very open minded, and the creative process is moving all the time. The recording process is very involved and intense. We've been here every day for three months. It's all good fun!

TS: How do you feel the band's sound has evolved over the years?

JK: It's been quite an organic thing, really. We've gotten better at what we do and have tightened up our act. The more you play the more experience you get. It's all good. We're just honing our craft. We're enjoying the process the more we do it and we still enjoy playing and being on the road!

TS: What can fans expect from your current tour? Are you dropping any hints about the new album?

JK: We'll be playing a couple of tracks from the new album. Anyone who has seen us before won't be disappointed and will like the new material. We play quite a dynamic live show. If you've never seen us, you've got a lot to look forward to?

TS: How has your audience evolved over the years? You've been around long enough that fans can bring their kids!

JK: We've always had a varied crowd racially and age-wise. Some people are bringing their kids. We have a varied selection of people and aren't limited to one group. We like it that way!

TS: Where are some of your favorite venues?

JK: We've played a ton of amazing places. Albert Hall in London is amazing. Wembley Stadium is the biggest sports arena is the country! Other great ones are the Fillmore in San Francisco and the Apollo in New York. Sometimes, the tiniest venues are the most fun, though!

TS: When is the album dropping?

JK: Probably the first half of next year.

TS: What does music mean to you?

JK: Music is a metaphor for my life really. I always have music in my head and I hear music everywhere. It provides the emotional landscape for my life. It's very important to me.

The Brand New Heavies play Lucille's at B.B. King's on Tuesday, October 30th. For info and tickets, please visit http://www.songkick.com/concerts/13843374-brand-new-heavies-at-lucilles-bar-at-bb-kings?utm_source=8073&utm_medium=partner

For more Times Square articles like The Brand New Heavies Make a Brand New Album, please visit the Music Interviews Section of TimesSquare.com